Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with Kelly Estimating before you send us your first project.
A construction takeoff is the process of measuring quantities from your plans how many metres of pipe, how many cubic metres of concrete, how many linear metres of framing. These quantities form the backbone of any cost estimate or bid. Without an accurate takeoff, you’re guessing. With one, you’re bidding with confidence. We take the plans you send us, count and measure every item for your nominated trade, and deliver a clean, usable quantity schedule.
A single trade estimate covers one scope of work for example, concrete only, or electrical only. A multi trade estimate covers two or more trades across the same project for example, concrete, framing, and roofing together. Multi trade packages are quoted based on the number of trades and the complexity of the plans. Most residential projects require 5–12 trades to be fully priced.
Single trade packages include 1 free revision. Multi trade packages include 2 revisions. Monthly retainer clients receive unlimited revisions. If you’ve made changes to the scope or plans, we’ll advise whether revision is covered or involves a small top-up fee.
Our team uses Bluebeam Revu, RIB CostX, PlanSwift, and Buildxact depending on the trade and project type. Final deliverables are formatted in Excel, PDF, or both whichever you prefer.
Absolutely. All project documents are treated as strictly confidential. We do not share, publish, or use your plans for any purpose other than completing your estimate. Upon request, we can sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before receiving any sensitive project information.
We work with everyone from sole traders quoting their first large project to construction firms submitting multiple tenders per week. Our single-trade $195 package was specifically designed to be accessible for small operators who need professional estimating support without a large upfront cost.
Getting Started
Simply email us your project drawings and scope of works. We’ll review them and send you a fixed-price quote and confirmed delivery date usually within the same business day. Once you approve the quote and make payment, we begin immediately.
We accept PDF, CAD (.dwg and .dxf), and Revit BIM files. If you’re working from printed plans, a high-quality scan (300dpi+) is also acceptable. Not sure? Email us first and we’ll confirm before you send anything.
Our standard turnaround is 24 hours for most single-trade and small multi trade projects. Large or complex projects may need some more time. Rush delivery (under 24 hours) is available for an additional fee. If you have an urgent tender deadline, tell us upfront and we’ll prioritise accordingly.
Pricing & Payment
Our single-trade takeoff service starts at $195. Multi-trade packages start at $595, and our monthly retainer packages start at $1,500 per month for high-volume clients. All pricing is fixed, you’ll know the cost before we start.
None. The price we quote is the price you pay. If a project turns out to be significantly more complex than the drawings initially indicated, we’ll flag this before proceeding never after the fact.
If we cannot complete an estimate due to insufficient documentation and we cannot resolve this with the client, we will refund the payment in full. We stand behind the quality of our work and will always seek to resolve any concerns first.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk
Our team is available during Australian business hours. Most queries are answered within 2-3 hours. Don’t let an unanswered question hold up your next bid.
